By Times Chronicle Staff
The Province has announced that firefighters will have improved access to workers’ compensation benefits and support services, in recognition of their higher risk of developing work-related cancers.
While firefighters represent only 0.5 per cent of the provincial workforce, they account for 35 per cent of all accepted cancer claims at WorkSafeBC between 2010 and 2025.
Eight additional cancers will be recognized by WorkSafeBC and added to the list of diseases presumed to be linked to the work done by firefighters. Currently, 18 cancers are considered to be occupationally acquired for firefighters.
The cancers being added are: skin cancer, mesothelioma, soft tissue sarcoma, as well as laryngeal, tracheal, bronchial, nose, and pharynx cancers.
If a firefighter develops one of the listed cancers after a certain period of employment, it is presumed that the cancer arose from exposure during their employment. The firefighter is then eligible for workers’ compensation benefits without having to prove the cancer is work-related.
The minimum employment period to be eligible for the existing esophageal cancer presumption has also been reduced from 20 years to 15 years.
The Province said the changes will mean that BC offers the most comprehensive coverage of presumptive cancers in Canada, applying to more than 15,000 career, volunteer and federal firefighters, provincial wildfire fighters, fire investigators and firefighters employed by First Nations and Indigenous organizations in the province.
“People in British Columbia count on firefighters in moments of crisis,” said Premier David Eby. “Whether battling house fires or wildfires, or responding to traumatic events, firefighters go above and beyond. We’re making sure they have support when they need it most.”
“As fire seasons become longer and more intense, exposure becomes a greater risk for wildland firefighters,” said Sebastian Kallos, Component 20 vice-president, BC General Employees’ Union.
“British Columbia is one of only five provinces in the country that provides this coverage for wildland firefighters, and these changes recognize some of the risks they face. The provincial government is taking appropriate steps to support those who put themselves between fires and communities.”
Firefighters are still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for work-related cancers that fall outside of the scope of the cancer presumptions. For example, if they develop a cancer not on the list or if they were employed for less than the specified minimum period of employment.
“Expanding the list of presumptive cancers and lowering the cumulative service for esophageal cancer acknowledges the risks we face on the job,” said Todd Schierling, president, British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA).
“It also underscores the commitment by the provincial government to the health and safety of all firefighters. This is the strongest set of protections in the country, and the BCPFFA will continue to advocate for the health, safety, and support for all members.”
The Province added it will continue to look at emerging scientific findings and research when considering future updates.
